Some feedback from GC5NERN - Kite Flying on International GC Day 2015
As it was geocaching’s 15th birthday this year, International Geocaching Day just had to be celebrated in a slightly different way. A few Gautenger geocachers came together to form “Geocachers of GP” and put together a relatively simple, laid back, weekend event.
One of the highlights was the kite flying on the Saturday. As luck would have it, the wind blew on Saturday, albeit a bit erratically, but it still blew. By 8:30am, the first kites were dancing in the wind. By 11:00am there were up to 20 kites in the air – small ones, big ones, really big ones, noisy ones, homemade ones, bought ones, you name it – it was there. The children were delighted, as were the adults (even if one or two kites landed up in the nearby trees!). For some, childhood memories came flooding back for others childhood memories were being made.
Another significant highlight and memory maker was the newly published mystery D5 cache hidden in the vicinity. It took more than 20 teams, approximately 2 hours to crack the puzzle, and that was with lots of help. Once the green tick had been attained, there were loud cheers and a massive exodus took place from the venue in search of the hidden treasure. For many this was the final souvenir that they needed to be a Road Trip Hero! What an achievement!!
The venue was just awesome – it had dormitory accommodation, as well as ample space for camping. A crystal clear swimming pool, volley ball court, stunning campfire circle, a massive hall, ample braai facilities and the fantastic bushveld all around. By day the Yellow-billed Hornbill called to us and by night the Black-backed Jackals made sure we heard their eerie cries.
The weather was perfect during the entire weekend, and everyone that was there was relaxed and happy. Even the children of all ages got along so well. There were no fights, just caring and lots of sharing. A highlight for the children was going to the “shooting range” with Team_vdlo, where they were taught the rules of shooting. Armed with ketties (handheld catapults) and beads, they had to knock off tins lined up as their targets. The best part came when Mr Team_vdlo unveiled his air rifle with a scope. Much more skill was required and the kids loved the challenge. After almost two hours, the horde of happy children returned back to camp drenched in perspiration and flushed cheeks. While the children were busy with their target practice, a number of adults set off in the reserve in search of caches. And what is a geocaching trip without some adventure? Okay, just a flat tyre that needed to be changed!
As the sun was going down the smokey curtains rose with the start of the braais. Once again Team_vdlo treated us to a chilled game of Jukskei. Everyone was able to participate and it was a lot of fun. Eventually, darkness enveloped us and the mobile spotlight was erected to allow the game to reach its end!
After dinner, some of us gathered around the fire, while the rest of us danced and had fun in the Hall. Ms Damhuisclan showed us some electric moves and even got Papa Damhuisclan onto the dance floor – that was an epic moment! Once all the energy reserves had been spent, we gazed up at the milky way and were reminded of how beautiful and serene mother nature was. Being out and about is what makes geocaching the special game that it is.
After a quick CITO on Sunday morning, we all packed our things away and started making our way home. Practically everyone requested that this be made into an annual event – thanks for the vote of confidence guys!!
A very BIG thank you to all those that helped, contributed and supported this brilliant event. Without all of you this successful event would not have been possible!
Happy caching!
Article submitted by GEO936
